Metro Birmingham forecast: Stormy today before a pleasant weekend

It was 72 degrees at 6 a.m. in Birmingham and central Alabama faces a potentially stormy day, according to the National Weather Service.

In the forecast, rain and some potentially severe storms are possible after 7 a.m. today. However, there also are likely to be periods of sunshine with a high of 82 degrees. The storms could last into the evening before leaving the region sunny for Friday and the balance of Memorial Day weekend.

The storms today are expected in two waves, according to the forecast. The first early this afternoon well ahead of a cold front and the second coming in the afternoon and early evening with the passing of the cold front. The storms are likely to consist of strong straight-line winds, hail and lightning.